Ryan Tubridy has shared his heartbreak following the loss of Gay Byrne last year.
The legendary presenter passed away in his Howth home in November 2019, two years after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
His death rocked the broadcasting world, as friends and colleagues mourned his loss, while hosting shows in his honour.
Speaking to the RTE Guide, Ryan Tubridy revealed he found that time particularly difficult.
“We couldn’t believe it. He was such an important person, he was a friend of mine, he was a mentor and suddenly, we were doing a tribute show to him in the middle of the week,” he said.
“It was just so desperate. I had to try and grieve and present the show, do my radio show and be a dad; it was intense.”
Following Gay’s passing, RTE aired a special Late Late Show in his honour, which saw a number of famous faces join Ryan to share stories and memories of their time together.
President Michael D. Higgins, Claire Byrne, Majella O’Donnell, Marty Whelan and Bob Geldof were just a few of the people who turned up.
At the time, Ryan told TVNow, “I was taken aback by how the team pulled it together so fast. I think that’s the measure of Gay and how respected he was because everyone we asked said yes, there was no negotiation.
“There was no ego, it was, ‘What time do you need it?’ and everyone showed up. It was a beautiful night, a beautiful celebration. It was thoughtful, reflective, dignified – it was the send-off he deserved.”